There’s a little bit of everything within the Oregon softball team’s senior class.
There’s the energy and speed of second baseman Suzie Barnes. There’s the power and leadership of designated player Ann Marie Topps. And there’s the consistency and value of first baseman and emergency pitcher, Kristi Leiter.
“I’d say we’re pretty colorful,” Barnes said. “We all have different perspectives and come from different backgrounds. All together, we blend very well. There’s a lot of heart in this class, definitely.”
That 2007 senior class will take its final home bow this weekend at Howe Field against the Arizona Schools.
“They’re an amazing group of women that has really affected the Oregon softball program,” said Oregon coach Kathy Arendsen of her first recruiting class at Oregon after taking over the program in 2003. “They have created a tremendous legacy. We have higher expectations, bigger dreams because of them.
“They are three kids I’m going to miss very much next year. They’re three very special young women. We’re blessed to have them in our program and in our lives.”
Barnes, Topps and Leiter have played critical roles in Oregon’s 39-win season, the highest win total in two seasons, and have rewritten parts of Oregon’s record book in the process. Barnes already set Oregon’s single-season runs-scored record with 54 and needs just one more stolen base to own the single-season record. The Lake Forest Park, Wash. native, who has started 202 consecutive games and appeared in all 222 games since her freshman season, is only seven steals away from breaking the career mark of 72.
Barnes, listed at a generous 5-foot-4, also ranks fourth in runs scored (120), sixth in triples (8) and sixth in walks (70) among Oregon’s all-time career leaders.
“She plays with the biggest heart of anyone I’ve coached,” Arendsen said.
Topps’ career began with her playing in the outfield as a part-time starter but has since shifted to her being used solely as a designated player the last three seasons, though not regularly in the last two.
But she’s started all 53 games this season and enjoyed a breakout year by setting Oregon’s single-season home run record. She currently has 18 this season and 23 for her career, good for seventh on Oregon’s career list.
Topps also etched her name in the Oregon single-season record book with 55 runs batted in, second most in team history. She also has 24 extra-base hits and 105 total bases, the sixth and eighth best marks for one year.
“Just a class act,” Arendsen said. “She’s willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better, and it’s so rewarding to see her shine so well her senior year because she played every part-time role, every supporting role and handled it with class.”
Though Leiter’s name won’t be found in the record books, her value to the team can’t be understated. The lefty first baseman has been a steady ingredient to Oregon’s infield, which leads the conference with 24 double plays, and she has even made four emergency appearances in the circle during Alicia Cook’s absence. Leiter is also tied for second on the team with 11 doubles.
The three, which would have included Kayleen Hudson if not for a preseason injury, will say goodbye to Howe Field together this weekend.
“We came in freshman year, and we’ve been close ever since,” Leiter said. “We’ve bonded really well, and it’s sad that we’re leaving now. I can’t believe how fast it goes.”
Added Topps: “I’m not really looking forward to (before the) ceremony because I know there’s going to be a lot of tears shed.”
But there will also likely be a lot of great memories recalled, including postseason appearances in their first two years in the program, upsetting No. 1 Arizona during their freshman season, and ending Oregon’s losing streak against rival Oregon State this season.
“I’m proud of each of them,” said Arendsen, who believes the true legacy of the seniors is “still being written” with six regular-season games remaining. “Without a doubt, (this weekend’s) going to be very emotional.
“The leadership they provided is unlike any other I’ve had at Oregon, maybe ever in my career.”
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